Five Killer Quora Answers On Wall Fireplace

How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living space a focal point that demands attention. There are many models available and you must pick one that meets your requirements.

The output of heat, the controls, and the appearance are some of the most important features. If you aren't familiar with these elements, it's best to hire an expert to help select the best model.

Molded Squares

A dull stone fireplace surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a major fireplace revamp. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is bright and attractive and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary art above the fireplace modernize the facade, while the gray shelves below provide a stark contrast. The fireplace facade is enhanced by a few changes in color.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet efficient way to frame a fireplace surround made of tile. To connect the look, choose a trim style to contrast with or complement the other trim elements such as thick casing around doors and windows. If you want a more elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, you can choose to use dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a common method of adding character to a room. The same technique can be used to frame the fireplace. Consider a paneled material like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Brick is another non-combustible option to use as a fireplace surround. It is available in different styles and colors. A classic red brick fireplace is perfect for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. A rustic-looking brick can be used to add a rustic touch to a traditional decor.

If you're planning to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace ensure that your hearth is 16 to 18 inches away from the opening of the firebox, and your surround is between 8 and 12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all local and national codes.

Open shelving can be excellent for storing books and other things. However having too many shelves can ruin the appearance of a fireplace. The owners of this family room created a wall to ceiling limestone cladding to improve the look of the room without overwhelming open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Rustic reclaimed wooden beams are the ideal frame for a wall fireplace. They are timeless and beautiful to any home. Reclaimed beams of wood are made from old barns, stalls and other buildings that have been demolished. Each beam carries with it its own distinct history. Reclaimed wood can be used as an accent in modern kitchens or with wide planks of paneling to create a rustic look. They are characterized by barn wood markings, such as mortise and nail holes plus a natural aging that improves their longevity.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy color of pine that accentuates this traditional living room mantel and surround evokes an idyllic rural setting. The knotty imperfections in the wood accent a hand-hewn look and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which is a part of the fireplace's wall fires. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair of nature-inspired wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed wooden beams will give a unique appearance to any room. They can be stained to match your current decor or carved for an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more contemporary look, or covered with faux finishes like marbling paint or rust.

The wooden beams can be used as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight the mantel without a fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

Whatever method of installation you choose, make sure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the effects of fire. Both materials can become hard and brittle when heated to extreme temperatures. However they can be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall. These products are sold in a wide variety of home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can create an impressive statement when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly brightens up the space while complementing any decor style from traditional to modern. Choosing matte finishes for the tiles is the best way to keep that neat and polished look while adding some contrast to make the fireplace pop.

Hex tiles also work well with a variety of texture choices for a more customized appearance. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the room an old-fashioned, rustic feel and is a great match with natural materials like wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious look to the space. These tiles have an elegant and glossy surface that is a beautiful reflection of light and brightens the space.

The proper tile pattern can improve the overall design of the fireplace. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The patterned tile adds a handcrafted look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace stove with the overall style of the room.

If you are unsure of making a design risk in your home, the fireplace is a great place to test the bold style. It can be intimidating for other areas. This geometric tile (here's a similar option) with its black grout lines gives this room a sophisticated and lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are shaped like cubes, creating a lively layout. The deep brown color provides this space with an inviting, warm look that is perfect for industrial style.

Tiles that look like brick or other familiar materials is another way to create an impact on your fireplace. This textured tile, made by LA Designer Affair, has a similar look to traditional brick but with the benefit of being easier to clean and maintain.

Consider applying a peel-and-stick tile to update your fireplace's surround without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat resistant which means they are safe for the fireplace and able to be affixed to the existing wall. This peel and stick herringbone tile is a great option to add elegance to any room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

If a fireplace on the wall has an existing brick surround, the most effective way to disguise its appearance is by giving it fresh coats of paint. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. A new color of paint can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the overall color scheme of the room or pick something bold.

If your mantel is made of wood, you should first examine it for cracks, nicks, and gouges. Fill in the dents using wood putty, if they're small enough. Allow it to dry for the period recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it before painting. Wipe the surface that has been sanded with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

White is a popular shade for fire walls and ethanol fireplaces. However, the right shade will make your fireplace stand out. Check out the other wood fireplace trims, moldings, and bookcases in your home for inspiration. Does your mantel have the same shade as theirs or is it darker or lighter? If the latter, choose an appropriate color to keep the look balanced.

Protect the area around you by using sheets or a dropcloth prior to when you begin painting. Remove any decorative items or showpieces that were hung above the mantel. If your fireplace is brick, remove any pictures or ornaments that are located on or within it. Once the mantel is empty then wipe it clean with a an damp cloth to wash off any dust or soot that has built up.

Apply a basecoat using a roller or brush to your mantel. The semi-gloss finish is long-lasting and stain-resistant, ensuring that your mantel is able to stand up well to the heat of the fireplace, as well as other objects placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations before moving on to the main part of your fireplace's wall.

While the brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be heavy and dark in color. Paint the mantel with in a neutral or light shade can make it appear brighter and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it a light color, consider pairing it with an earthy-toned artwork or a large mirror over it to create a balanced look.